Wellington, March 22 NZPA - Hundreds of travellers had their flights to and from Wellington cancelled today as powerful gusts of up to 130kmh lashed the lower North Island and the east coast of the South Island.

The MetService forecast winds strong enough to damage trees and power lines as an active front moved across the country today, but the wild weather did little damage as it passed over the South Island.

The Wellington region fared worse, with gusts averaging 120kmh bringing down phone lines and cancelling flights to and from the city.

Air New Zealand spokeswoman Lara Harrison said four flights to and from Auckland were cancelled, while another three flights were diverted.

A flight from Christchurch was turned back, while two flights from Auckland were diverted to Palmerston North and Christchurch.

The 400 travellers affected would be accommodated on the next available flights, Ms Harrison said.

More than a dozen flights to and from regional centres were also cancelled or delayed, according to the Wellington Airport website.

The wild weather also affected Wellington harbour ferry services, with two sailings cancelled this afternoon.

The Fire Service reported little damage from the strong winds.

Phone and cable television lines were brought down briefly in the Hutt Valley this afternoon, while the roof of a fire-damaged house in Christchurch lifted this afternoon.

MetService severe weather forecaster Gerard Barrow said the winds were expected to lash Wellington and Wairarapa until about 9pm, while heavy rains of up to 80mm were expected in the Tararua Ranges and Mt Taranaki overnight.

"At the moment the strongest winds seem to be averaging around about 120kmh," he said.

"It can lift roofs and make driving conditions hazardous, and also topple some trees as well."

Drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists needed to take care on the roads, he said.

Severe weather warnings for Westland, Canterbury and Marlborough were lifted this afternoon.